Dear Friends!

For the sixth time the oldest Conservatoire in Russia welcomes Guests from all over the whole world to attend its Festival. This year the International Conservatoire Week is devoted to the Centenary of Dmitri Dmitrevich Shostakovich.

Historically the life and work of this greatest of all musicians has been indissolubly connected with the Leningrad Conservatoire where he came at the tender age of 13. Within these walls the talent of this young composer blossomed into full professional maturity Here, as a professor of the Conservatory, he trained and encouraged generation after generation of young composers.

I express my cordial thanks to all those who help keep our festival alive and vibrant. Without doubt this musical feast will discover yet a number of bright new names and will be remembered for its many unforgettable meetings.

Alexander TCHAIKOVSKY
Rector, St. Petersburg Conservatoire